Knife assault on ex brings jail sentence

A 35-year-old Invercargill man who held a knife to his ex-partner's throat was sentenced to jail when he appeared in the Invercargill District Court yesterday.

David Michael McKay, appeared for sentence before Judge Kevin Phillips on charges of assault with a weapon and breaching a protection order on September 22, 2008. He was sentenced to 15 months' jail.

McKay was the subject of an aborted trial last year and 13 charges laid against him, including 10 of sexual violation, have since been withdrawn.

The two charges he was sentenced for yesterday were all that remained.

The court heard McKay and the victim had been in a long-term relationship with one constant – drug abuse.

That relationship ended and the victim took out a protection order against McKay.

On the night of the offence, while she was at a friend's home watching videos, McKay arrived, banged on the windows and wanted her to come home, which she did, Judge Phillips said.

He became angry, aggressive, claimed infidelity and was hunting for drugs, he said.

McKay then produced a knife, held it to the woman's throatand threatened her, Judge Phillips said.

The aggravating features of the assault was actual and threatened violence towards a person in a vulnerable position and a breach of trust, he said.

Both McKay and his ex had since cleaned up their acts and no longer took drugs, Judge Phillips said.

- © Fairfax NZ News